Lot 1116

Description

N.S.W. Amateur Swimming Assocn, 1912, prize fob medal in gold and enamel (15ct; 18.57g; 29x32mm), ring top suspension, plain reverse inscribed, '220 Yds./Championship/13.1.12./Domain. Sydney./W.Longworth./First./Time 2 mn 27 2/5 Sec.'. Extremely fine.

William Longworth, was one of Australia's greatest swimmers. During his time he was the holder of every freestyle State and Australian championship title. Born on 26 September 1892 at Singleton, NSW and dying at Wahroonga, NSW on 10 October 1969 he competed for Australasia in the 1912 Summer Olympics. He attended Sydney Grammar School and excelled in athletics, swimming and rugby union. In 1913, after a sensational race, retained his title as 100yds State champion, and also won the half-mile championship in decisive style. Longworth's success was not wholly expected, for the reason that it was not long since he recovered from a severe illness. But his performances showed that he was as well as probably ever he was- the same Invincible "Bill". During 1915 he enlisted in the AIF and served in France from November as a sergeant with the Anzac Entrenchment Battalion. He also represented the AIF in swimming.
See also lots 1117, 1118, 1119.